Observation/Inferences

What do these two words mean?

Observations  Observations: We use our senses to

gather information about the world around us. There are two types of observations.

Qualitative  Qualitative observation: (quality)

Uses words. Usually made with our senses.

 See, Hear, Touch, Taste, Smell. Examples:   Brutus is wearing a Scarlet

and Gray Long Sleeve Shirt.  The lab tabletop is smooth.

Quantitative  Quantitative observation: (quantity) How many? Will always have a number

Based on exact measurement. Examples:

 The room is 8 meters across.  Thelma is 141-cm tall.   Earl weighs 68,100 Grams.

Inferences  Inference:

 A logical interpretation of an event that is based on observations and prior knowledge.

 What does this mean in 6th grade terms?

Making Inferences   You are at the counter in the office to get a bus pass

signed. You see a student leave the principal’s office crying and upset. We could make an inference as to why the student is upset.

  Could be in trouble (Lunch Detention, ALC)   Family problems at home (sick, accident)   Student not feeling well   Student has poor grades (failing, retention)

Observation vs. Inference   Observation – Based on

the five senses:  Sight  Smell  Touch  Taste  Hearing

 A visible or provable fact.  For example, the

whiteboard is white

  Inference – Based on prior knowledge or opinion

  For example, that dog looks ugly! Sorry Mrs. Snider!

Examples OBSERVATIONS

  That plant is extremely wilted.

  The car stopped running

  There is 1 round table in this room.

INFERENCES   That plant is extremely

wilted due to a lack of water.

  The car stopped running because it was out of gas.

  There is one round table in this room because Mr. Burger likes Rectangles better.

Observation vs Inference

 List 2 Qualitative Observations

 List 2 Quantitative Observations

 List 1 Inference

Observation vs Inference

 List 2 Qualitative Observations

 List 2 Quantitative Observations

 List 1 Inference

Observation vs Inference

 List 2 Qualitative Observations

 List 2 Quantitative Observations

 List 1 Inference